"The vet a month ago gave her a clean bill of health. There was nothing wrong with my gentle giant," Tousel explained.

We contacted PetSmart who said they are investigating. They sent us the following statement:

"The safety and well-being of the pets in our care is our top priority. We are conducting a full investigation into this incident and will take appropriate action based on our findings."

The Tousel family hopes that the death of their beloved Gracie will lead to changes that will keep dogs safe when they are taken in to be groomed.

"Only thing that's going to help is if it doesn't happen to anyone else who loves their dog the way we loved our Gracie," Tousel pleads. "Because this was a senseless tragedy that didn't need to happen."

19 Action News will follow up on this story and the investigation conducted by PetSmart.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.